A historic dock has been acquired by a regeneration group that hopes to develop a new leisure and residential quarter.
James Watt Dock, a partnership between regeneration specialists Peel Waters and Riverside Inverclyde, has sold the Greenock site to Glasgow Arts Centre.
The proposed work will preserve the site’s heritage while creating a new purpose for the buildings. The landmark crane on site could be part of the longest urban zip slide in the UK.
Glasgow Arts Centre focuses on rescuing and renovating buildings that have architectural merit or that are important to Glasgow’s heritage. They have been relaunched for artists and small businesses.
It is led by director Bradley Mitchell, whose cultural development portfolio includes Britannia Panopticon; Barclay Curle shipyard and Crane and the transformation of several developments along Washington Street, Glasgow into a bustling creative studio area for artists, musicians, producers and creatives.
The sale complements the continued success of the existing James Watt Dock Marina, which remains a key asset within the Inverclyde waterfront.
Brian Lavalette, property director for Scotland at Peel Waters and member of the James Watt Dock board, said: “This is an exciting moment for the Inverclyde waterfront.
“Glasgow Arts Centre Limited brings imagination, experience and a genuine commitment to heritage-led development. We look forward to seeing the plans evolve and the site flourish.”
Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, added: “This is a significant moment not just for the historic Sugar Sheds and iconic Titan Crane but for the ongoing regeneration of Inverclyde.
“I’m delighted to welcome Glasgow Arts Centre Ltd as the new owner of these famous landmarks and their proposals to redevelop the site has the potential to create an exciting new attraction to encourage even more people, near and far, to discover Inverclyde and the many great things we have to offer.”
Planning for the Sugar Sheds development is expected to be submitted to Inverclyde Council in early autumn.
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